As negotiations progress on the drafting of a Programme for Government Barnardos is calling on the TDs and parties involved to prioritise services and supports to vulnerable and at risk children.
Suzanne Connolly, Barnardos CEO said: “The Covid19 crisis has had an impact on all children; but children who are vulnerable or at risk have found the restrictions particularly hard. For these children home may not be a safe or happy place. They rely on access to services such as family support, mental health services and meal programmes. These are the children Barnardos wants the next Government to prioritise.
“Children bore the brunt during the last recession, when vital support services were cut and the percent of children living in poverty doubled, and many are still living with the consequences. Children must not bear the brunt of this crisis. Instead, the incoming Government should invest in services for children and maximise existing resources by incorporating innovative responses.
Ms. Connolly continued: “The next Programme for Government must protect and prioritise vulnerable children by ensuring access to services in their own communities such as specialist family support and mental health triage; establishing national protections such as a Court Welfare Service; and ensuring equitable access to education.”
Read Barnardos Recommendations
ENDS
Notes to editor:
Programme for Government Link.
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